The Brașov Grand Prix Classic 2026 brings a week of top-tier classical chess to the Carpathian gateway city. Hosted at the five-star Hotel ARO Palace in Brașov, Romania, the festival runs 25-31 July 2026 with two synchronized tournaments: Tournament A (Elo ≥2000) and Tournament B (Elo <2000). With a headline prize fund of 180,000 LEI, FIDE-standard time controls, and a single premium venue, this summer stop is built for ambitious club players and titled stars alike.
Across 9 rounds in each section, players compete under professional conditions and a clear timetable – afternoon starts most days, two double-round days to keep the rhythm, and a morning finale followed by the awards. International entrants can register online, secure special hotel rates directly through the organizer, and enjoy a seamless playing experience in one of Romania’s most visited cities.
Bold highlights: Brașov Grand Prix Classic 2026, 25-31 July 2026, Hotel ARO Palace, Brașov (Romania).
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | 25-31 July 2026 (arrival 24 July; awards 31 July, 16:00) |
| 📍 Location | Hotel ARO Palace, Brașov, Romania |
| ♟️ Format | 2 events: Tournament A (Elo ≥2000) & Tournament B (Elo <2000) • 9-Round Swiss |
| ⏱️ Time Control | A: 90′/40 moves + 15′ KO + 30″/move from move 1 • B: 90′ + 30″/move for the whole game |
| 💵 Prize Fund | 180,000 LEI total (organizer notes ≈ €36–38k) |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE-rated; FIDE Laws apply |
| ✅ Eligibility | Open to players with a valid FIDE ID (rating bands per section) |
| 🎯 Tie-breaks | Hort system for prize distribution; standard tie-breaks published on site |
| 🏦 Payout | Prizes paid by bank transfer within 14 days; absence at ceremony → –20% of prize |
🏆 Prize Fund
(Prizes in LEI; money prizes are taxable per Romanian law. Foreign players receive full gross prize and handle tax in country of residence. No double prizes unless specified.)
Tournament A – General Ranking
| Place | Prize (LEI) | Place | Prize (LEI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25,000 | 6 | 5,000 |
| 2 | 15,000 | 7 | 3,500 |
| 3 | 10,000 | 8 | 3,000 |
| 4 | 7,500 | 9 | 2,500 |
| 5 | 6,000 | 10 | 2,500 |
Tournament A – Special / Category Prizes (LEI)
| Category | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIDE 2301–2450 | 4,000 | 2,000 | 1,000 |
| FIDE 2151–2300 | 4,000 | 2,000 | 1,000 |
| FIDE ≤2150 | 4,000 | 2,000 | 1,000 |
| Women | 5,000 | 3,000 | 2,000 |
| Seniors +65 | 3,000 | 2,000 | — |
| Top local (Brașov) | 3,000 | 1,500 | — |
Tournament B – General Ranking
| Place | Prize (LEI) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 12,500 |
| 2 | 7,500 |
| 3 | 5,000 |
| 4 | 3,000 |
| 5 | 2,000 |
| 6 | 1,500 |
| 7 | 1,000 |
| 8 | 1,000 |
Tournament B – Special / Category Prizes (LEI)
| Category | 1st | 2nd |
|---|---|---|
| FIDE 1651–1800 | 4,000 | 2,000 |
| FIDE 1500–1650 | 4,000 | 2,000 |
| <1500 | 3,000 | 1,500 |
| No Elo | 3,000 | 1,500 |
| Veterans +65 | 3,000 | 2,000 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
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Tournament A: 90′ for 40 moves, then +15′ to finish; +30″/move from move 1.
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Tournament B: 90′ + 30″/move for the whole game.
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Swiss system, 9 rounds; FIDE anti-cheating and device rules in effect.
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Hort system governs money distribution on ties.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Rating Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tournament A | FIDE Elo ≥2000 | Titled players GM/WGM/IM/WIM: no entry fee |
| Tournament B | FIDE Elo <2000 | Rich general + category prizes |
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, 24 Jul | — | Arrival of participants |
| Fri, 25 Jul | 15:30 | Opening Ceremony & Technical Meeting |
| Fri, 25 Jul | 16:00 | Round 1 |
| Sat, 26 Jul | 09:30 | Round 2 |
| Sat, 26 Jul | 16:00 | Round 3 |
| Sun, 27 Jul | 16:00 | Round 4 |
| Mon, 28 Jul | 09:30 | Round 5 |
| Mon, 28 Jul | 16:00 | Round 6 |
| Tue, 29 Jul | 16:00 | Round 7 |
| Wed, 30 Jul | 16:00 | Round 8 |
| Thu, 31 Jul | 09:30 | Round 9 |
| Thu, 31 Jul | 16:00 | Awards Ceremony |
| Times are approximate depending on the finish of the last game. |
📝 Registration
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How to enter: Register exclusively via https://turnee.frsah.ro/
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Confirmation: Registration is effective only after full payment of the invoiced fees.
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Deadlines:
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No entries accepted after 22 July 2026.
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Entry fee becomes non-refundable / non-transferable after 22 July 2026.
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Entry fees (Tournament A):
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Players Elo ≥2000: €50 by 20 May, €65 (21 May–10 Jul), €80 from 11 Jul
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Players Elo <2000: €150
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GM/WGM/IM/WIM: Free
-
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Entry fees (Tournament B): €50 by 20 May • €65 (21 May–10 Jul) • €80 from 11 Jul
(Romanian-currency fee tiers also available: A/B—250/325/400 LEI; A under-2000 750 LEI.) -
Notes: Organizer may grant special conditions for Elo >2600. Read the Tournament Rules before registering.
👥 Organizer
Organized by the Romanian Chess Federation.
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Tournament Director: GM Ciprian Nanu – brasovgp@frsah.ro
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Registration platform: https://turnee.frsah.ro/
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Federation/Payments: invoiced accounts included on your registration invoice.
🏨 Venue
All rounds take place at Hotel ARO Palace*** (Brașov)** — a landmark city-center hotel with large, air-conditioned halls, excellent spectator areas, and premium services.
🛎️ Accommodation
Hotel ARO Palace*** — breakfast & pool access included. Reservations through the organizer only; rooms confirmed after full payment. Limited allotment; cancellation refunds minus 1 night.
| Currency | Room Type | Rate (per room/night) |
|---|---|---|
| EUR | Single | €95 |
| EUR | Double | €112 |
| LEI | Single | 475 LEI |
| LEI | Double | 560 LEI |
| Notes | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing basis | Rates set with 11% VAT and 5.1 lei/€ reference; may be adjusted if laws/exchange rates change |
| Optional | Accommodation & meals are optional |
🚗 How to Get There
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By air/train: Fly to Bucharest (OTP) or Brașov–Ghimbav (GHV) (when available); train/bus to Brașov.
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By car: DN1/E60 or A3 to Brașov; city-center parking near ARO Palace.
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Local: Walkable central location with cafés and sights along the Tampa foothills.
Finish your summer with nine serious classical rounds in the heart of Transylvania – join the Brașov Grand Prix Classic 2026 at Hotel ARO Palace!
Organizer
Federația Română de Șah is the national chess federation for Romania, based in Bucharest, Romania. It represents Romanian chess within FIDE and coordinates official competition standards nationwide. Moreover, the federation supports clubs, players, and regional structures through unified regulations and administration.
In addition, the federation oversees national championships and a broad calendar that includes FIDE-rated tournament events across Romania. It supports elite and grassroots competition in classical chess, while also recognizing rapid chess and blitz formats through approved events. Furthermore, it provides official guidance for tournament organizers and promotes consistent sporting standards.
Furthermore, Federația Română de Șah works to grow participation through national teams, development programs, and structured pathways for junior chess. As a result, players benefit from clear governance, reliable event frameworks, and international rating and title recognition.
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